RESULT

Mass of polysulfide rubber formed = 15.0248 g

Time (minutes) Observation

0 minute No precipitate

After 30 minutes Yellow-colored precipitate started to form

After 45 minutes Yellow-colored precipitate formed

DISCUSSION

1. Describe any observations or changes from the beginning to the end of the reaction.
There is no change from the original solution, which is a colorless solution, at the
commencement of the reaction, which is at 0 minutes. The yellow precipitate starts to appear
after 30 minutes. The yellow precipitate that results from the reaction is known as polysulfide
rubber. The resultant (S-CH2CH2OCH2CH2-S2)n polymer precipitates in the presence of the
right dispersants but is insoluble in the reaction media.

2. Why the polymer produced in this experiment must be kept in water?

It is thus necessary to maintain the polysulfide rubber submerged in water to prevent

coagulation and serve as a cooling mechanism. The polymerization process results in the
production of water as a by-product. The process of producing a by-product during
polymerization is referred to as condensation polymerization. Due to the presence of water
inside the polysulfide structure, the impression will fade as water evaporates from it.
3. What are the uses of polysulfide rubber?

In the building and construction, aerospace, and automotive industries, polysulfides are
frequently used as the primary polymer in sealants, caulks, and adhesives. Other industrial
uses include concrete coatings, moulding or potting compounds, and highway sealants. This is
as a result of polysulfides' great swelling resistance. Additionally, it offers solvent and oil
resistance, thermal stability, and weatherability.

4. Write the equation for the polymerization reaction.

2CH2Cl + 2NaS2  ( CH2CH2S4 )n

CONCLUSION

Condensation polymerization can be used in this experiment to create polysulfide rubber.

15.0248 g of polysulfide rubber were produced. In the building and construction, aerospace,
and automotive industries, polysulfides are frequently used as the primary polymer in
sealants, caulks, and adhesives. This is as a result of polysulfides' great swelling resistance.
Additionally, it has oil and solvent resistance, thermal stability, and weatherability.

REFERENCES

Kalaee, M. R., Famili, M. H. N., & Mahdavi, H. (2009, February). Synthesis and
characterization of polysulfide rubber using phase transfer catalyst. In

Macromolecular symposia (Vol. 277, No. 1, pp. 81-86). Weinheim: WILEY‐VCH

Verlag.

Pirayesh, A., Salami-Kalajahi, M., Roghani-Mamaqani, H., & Najafi, F. (2019). Polysulfide
polymers: synthesis, blending, nanocomposites, and applications. Polymer Reviews,
59(1), 124-148.